Dry January is complete and, if you participated, what better way to re-engage with the world of alcohol than to have a great glass of wine or expertly crafted cocktail at a new and exciting bar. This month in London sees the opening of Scales, a Mayfair spot where the clarified cocktails trend continues in style, and El Bar de Cavita, where you can expect drinks inspired by the flavours of Mexico. The cocktail scene in New York gets an injection of speakeasy-influenced elegance at a venue where high-end izakaya-style bar food will also be served. Elsewhere, there are new gems to discover in Cape Town and Singapore, both of which are heavily influenced by ingredients from across Asia.
Read on to discover the most exciting new bars to visit in February.
The best new bars to visit in February 2024
Scales
London, UK
A dimly lit curved bar and clarified cocktails await at this venue underneath the boutique wine and spirits shop Drink With Sasha in Mayfair. The cocktails here are meticulously crafted with no detail overlooked. On the menu: a Shiso Apple with Desi Daru vodka, the Fig, made with cognac and pandan, and the Gingerbread, which incorporates coconut milk, among others. Open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, Scales brings a breath of fresh air to Duke Street.
Open now, scalesbar.com
View this post on Instagram
Laut
Singapore
Laut was forced to close shortly after opening in 2020 but now it’s back. The cocktail list focuses on the best of south-east Asian ingredients: for example, Grass, made with juniper and kombucha, incorporates ginger flowers and a dash of rice vinegar. Bar snacks are inspired by Singapore street food’s expansive approach to South East Asian food and the region’s own glorious seasonal ingredients.
Open now, lautcollective.com
View this post on Instagram
Anthm
Cape Town, South Africa
Bartender Tetsuo Hasegawa developed his technique-led approach in New York’s ROKC and NR. He’s now gathered a Japanese team for this music-forward cocktail bar in the heart of Cape Town. Inspired by Japanese homes and Hasegawa’s passion for jazz, rock and blues, there are just 40 seats in the lounge bar but a second floor is planned for shortly after opening.
Open now, anthmbar.com
View this post on Instagram
Sip & Guzzle
New York, US
A stone’s throw from Washington Square, a sister bar to Tokyo’s SG Club has landed. Under the hand of Shingo Gokan, formerly of Angel’s Share, Sip & Guzzle exudes a speakeasy-era elegance with wood, leather and candlelight, while the drinks have a 2000s-era theatricality. Gokan and partner Steve Schnieder have brought in Mike Bagale, formerly of Chicago’s Alinea, to match superb cocktails with excellent izakaya-style bar food. The cherry on top: a licence until 2am from Wednesday until the week is through.
Open now, sipandguzzlenyc.com
El Bar de Cavita
London, UK
Underneath Mexican restaurant Cavita, you’ll feel a million miles away from London’s rainy winter streets. Vivid pink hibiscus Margaritas are served alongside foamy Epusmosas: pisco-sour-style mezcal cocktails made with ancho reyes and house-made mango chamoy. And of course, there’s always a Paloma to get the evening started. Bar snacks are a tantalising glimpse of the restaurant menu upstairs, with tostadas and quesabirria accompanying the drinks. The space has previously served as a basement bar for the restaurant but this relaunch focuses on making it a standalone venue.
Opens February 16, elbardecavita.com
